House to take up last-minute extension of FISA spy power in likely-doomed vote
Summary
The U.S. House of Representatives plans to vote on a short-term extension of a key spying law, Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which is set to expire soon. The extension is likely to fail due to bipartisan concerns, especially after President Trump appointed Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, a choice that has caused controversy.Key Facts
- Section 702 allows the government to collect communications of non-U.S. citizens abroad without a warrant but can also collect Americans' data when they contact targeted foreigners.
- The current authority is set to expire Friday after Congress delayed this issue twice.
- The House will vote on a short-term extension until July 2, which requires a two-thirds majority but is expected to fail.
- President Trump appointed Bill Pulte acting director of national intelligence, a choice opposed by many Democrats and some Republicans.
- Democrats worry about Pulte’s lack of national security experience and past accusations he made against political opponents.
- Negotiations on a long-term renewal have stalled due to worries about surveillance of Americans without warrants.
- Trump asked Congress for a short-term extension to allow time to confirm a permanent intelligence director.
- Experts warn losing the authorization could cause intelligence data to become outdated and disrupt cooperation from service providers.
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